Innovative Ingredients Fortified Nutrients Enriched Biscuits and Cookies: Quality and Sensory Analyses

Global suffering from COVID-19 has necessitated augmenting the immunity systems of humans through consumption of macro-micro-nutrients and antioxidant-enriched fortified foods. In this article, fortifications of popular bakery products, viz. biscuits, cookies, have been reviewed, encompassing the novel fortifying ingredients and innovative methods employed with an emphasis on the overall enrichment in the final product quality. A few notable features concerning novel fortified biscuit and fortified cookie have been decisively summarized. Wheat flour blended with 40% sesame-cake flour resulted in a fortified biscuit possessing higher protein (16.6%), crude fat (16.95%), and dietary fiber (8.2%) with acceptable sensory characteristics. About 9% toting up of chicken-eggshell dried-powder could result in high Ca content in biscuits with customary changes in texture and sensory properties. A remarkable 5% addition of bee pollen to wheat flour appreciably improved the nutrient compositions (carbohydrate 65.18%, protein 7.32%, and total dietary-fiber 1.47%) along with high polyphenol and antioxidant potentials. Notably, mixing fish fillet protein concentrate with wheat flour could yield enhanced nutritional content (protein 14.63-19.52%, fat 16.2-16.5%), as well as augmented amino acids. Remarkably, wheat flour fortified with fermented jack bean flour resulted in an overall fortified biscuit with substantial carbohydrate, crude protein, fat, fiber, ash, and appreciable macro-micro mineral contents and sensory characteristics. Innovative fortified cookies were made by blending wheat flour or Brewer's spent grain flour with one or more ingredients, e.g. full fat soya, mushroom, cardamom powder, moringa leaves, coconut, sweet potato flour rendering amplified values of nutrients, superior physical properties, increased mineral and flavonoid contents and organoleptic qualities.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Lactulose Works in the Large Bowel: But How Does It Improve Hepatic Encephalopathy in a Patient Without a Large Bowel?

Introduction: Lactulose is a non-absorbable disaccharide which acts in the large bowel, and is commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. We present an interesting case of altered mental status due to hepatic encephalopathy successfully managed with lactulose in a patient with history of total colectomy. Case Description/Methods: A 67-year-old male with non-alcoholic cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) post total proctocolectomy with a continent ileostomy known as a Kock-pouch (K-pouch) presented to the hospital with flu like symptoms and altered mental status. He was subsequently found to be positive for COVID-19. At the time of initial evaluation, the patient was obtunded with an elevated ammonia level of 91 umol/L. Colorectal surgery was consulted as the patient was not able to empty his K-pouch. Recently, he complained of inability to catheterize and with bleeding from the stoma. Initial catheterization with a Water's tube yielded 400 cc of effluent. Nasogastric tube was placed through which he was receiving lactulose 30 mg q8 hours. The patient's mental status improved within 24 hours. The patient ultimately underwent flexible pouchoscopy with endoscopic dilation and placement of a 22 French mushroom catheter for decompression of the K-pouch. Discussion(s): Lactulose is a non-absorbable disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose. The small intestine does not have the enzymes required to breakdown lactulose so it reaches the large bowel in its original form. In the large bowel, it is metabolized by colonic bacteria into monosaccharides and then to volatile fatty acids, hydrogen and methane. Lactulose decreases both the production and absorption of ammonia mainly through the presence of gut bacteria. The question arises as to how lactulose decreased ammonia levels in this patient without a large bowel. One proposed mechanism is the translocation of bacteria normally found in the large bowel to the small intestine. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), is a condition causing an increased number of bacteria in the small intestine. Patients with IBD and structural abnormalities are at increased risk of developing SIBO. Lactulose is commonly used in the diagnosis through the administration of lactulose and subsequent measurements of hydrogen and methane gas in expired air. This condition, in our patient with history of ulcerative colitis and colectomy, is a proposed mechanism of the efficacy of lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

Mushroom biotechnology: Developing cultivation protocol for four different mushrooms and accessing their potential in pollution management

The proteinaceous food value of mushrooms is well recognized and it may offer effective and lasting solutions to the problems of child malnutrition and protein supplement in pregnant ladies. Advancements have been made toward understanding mushroom biology, cultivation aspects, using a variety of agro lingo-cellulosic waste, breeding high yielding varieties, medicinal implications and uses of these unique fruiting bodies in bioremediation and waste water management. Mushrooms contain antioxidants and anticancerous chemicals in significant quanti-ties. Use of Chaga mushroom in corona virus disease control has been suggested recently in Russia. After first cultivation of rat ear fungus (Auricularia auricula) in 600 A.D., now more than 20 species are commercially cultivated and protocols to culture about 300 mushrooms is now known. New cultivation methods are devel-oped and discussed for Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), Lenzites sterioides, Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) and Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor). The biological efficiency was 45% for Lentinus and 56% for Reishi in experi-ments conducted at Botany Department of the M.S. University of Baroda. An increase in yield was recorded when Lentinus mycelium was exposed to blue light and 5-10 ppm Veradix (IBA). The cultivation of medicinal mushroom is profitable as well fascinating since it requires a range of specific environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, etc. The efforts have been made to eliminate the use of polythene bags by using earthen pots in case of oyster mushroom. A range of substrates have been used to increase the yield and manage agro-waste produced in large quantity in different countries. Cellulose and hemicellulose served as better sources of mushroom production, whereas, in lignin containing substrates the growth was slower. Apart from using substrates, dilute acid soaking of the leaves produced better growth of oyster. Light and temperature levels are also critical for the temperature required was 30 °C. Exposure to light acts as a shock to switch over the mycelium from vegetative to reproductive stage. The efforts are being made to increase number of fruiting bodies by the use of Ni and Sn salts. This chapter deals with spawn production and the advances in cultivation of four medicinal mushrooms made in different parts of the world. Mushrooms breeding and strain improvement has resulted into many new and high yielding strains. Production of oyster mushroom is done in almost all parts of the country, extensive fungal surveys are needed for developing better conservation strategies. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.

Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices: A Promising Approach for the Treatment of COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus accountable for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has led to many fatal cases worldwide. It causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome, a hyperinflammatory response, vascular damage, mi-croangiopathy, and widespread thrombosis. Vaccines, interferon therapies, and small-molecule drugs may be among the various alternatives for managing or preventing emerging SARS-CoV-2 infections. New interventions, on the other hand, are likely to take months to years to develop. Furthermore, existing antiviral agents commonly develop viral resistance along with certain side effects. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment medications without side effects against human coronavirus are urgently needed. Indian and Chinese traditional medicine have suggested some natural products for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of the diseases, including COVID-19 and various herbs and mushrooms that have been reported to possess potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, in this pandemic, traditional medicines pose a ray of hope for human health. The Ministry of Ayush, India, has also recommended a number of therapies to increase immunity in addition to ayurvedic treatments. Thus, the probability of naturally occurring substances as successful treatments against COVID-19 may seem hopeful due to their diverse biological and therapeutic properties. This review focuses on the latest updates of Ayurvedic herbs and spices as promising approaches for treatment during this devastating pandemic situation.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

A brief review on the medicinal uses of Cordyceps militaris

Introduction: Cordyceps, a popular Chinese medication, is made by drying caterpillar-borne Cordyceps fungus. The parasite needs an insect host or larvae host to survive. To strengthen those who were lacking in vitality, it was administered in tonic form. The biological effects of Cordyceps species are well documented. Its medicinal properties are because of the chemical constituents present in the mushroom namely cordycepin, cordymin, polysaccharides, glycoprotein, ergosterol, and other extracts. Material(s) and Method(s): Some of the biological activities of C.militaris are anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, antimicrobials, immunosuppressive, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, and fertility enhancer. Because of their bioactive compounds, edible fungus like C. militaris is a multifunctional food supplement. Many mushroom species can be grown on domestic refuse, popularizing the mushroom industry in sustainable economies worldwide. Conclusion(s): C. militaris extract can improve health when added to the diet. Further, the complexity of clinical investigations and the challenges of developing therapies using mushroom extracts are both exacerbated by the abundance of bioactive chemicals present in mushrooms. Cordycepin has the most therapeutic potential of all the bioactive compounds described in the studies. Recent studies indicate that cordycepin may be effective against COVID-19's SARS-CoV-2 strain. Therefore, this review lays the groundwork for clinical use and examines the research program for the near future.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s)

In silico bioprospecting of antiviral compounds from marine fungi and mushroom for rapid development of nutraceuticals against SARS-CoV-2.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects human respiratory function that causes COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 has spread rapidly all over the world and became a pandemic within no time. Therefore, it is the need of hour to screen potential lead candidates from natural resources like edible mushrooms and marine fungi. These natural resources are very less explored till now and known to be the source for many medicinal compounds with several health benefits. These medicinal compounds can be easily exploited for the faster development of nutraceuticals for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections. Our Insilico research suggests, bioactive compounds originating from mushroom and marine fungi shows strong potential to interact with ACE2 receptor or main protease of SARS-CoV-2, showing the inhibition activity towards the enzymatic protease. We performed a series of Insilico studies for the validation of our results, which includes Molecular docking, drug likeness property investigation by Swiss ADME tools, MD simulation, and thermodynamically stable free binding energy calculation. Overall, these results suggest that Ganodermadiol and Heliantriol F bioactive compounds originating from edible mushroom has strong potential to be developed as low-cost nutraceutical against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. The drug candidate isolated from marine fungi and edible mushroom are highly unexplored for the development of potential alternative drug against SARS-CoV-2 virus with minimum side effects. Though our in silico studies of these compounds are showing a promising results against SARS-CoV-2 main protease and ACE2 receptor binding domain, the effectiveness of these bioactive compounds should be further validated by proper clinical trials.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ganoderma lucidum: Unutilized natural medicine and promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa.

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom that has been used for the prevention and treatment of different ailments to enhance longevity and health specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. It was known as "God's herb" in ancient China as it was believed to prolong life, enhance the youthful spirit and sustain/preserve vitality. G. lucidum is seldom collected from nature and is substantially cultivated on wood logs and sawdust in plastic bags or bottles to meet the international market demand. Both in vitro and in vivo studies on the copious metabolic activities of G. lucidum have been carried out. Varied groups of chemical compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, steroids, lactones, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes with potent pharmacological activities have been isolated from the mycelia and fruiting bodies of G. lucidum. Several researchers have reported the abundance and diversification of its biological actions triggered by these chemical compounds. Triterpenoids and polysaccharides of G. lucidum have been reported to possess cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antihistaminic effects, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic antiallergic, neuroprotective, antitumor, immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic activities. Various formulations have been developed, patented, and utilized as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals from G. lucidum extracts and active compounds. Thus, this review presents current updates on emerging infectious diseases and highlights the scope, dynamics, and advances in infectious disease management with a particular focus on Ganoderma lucidum, an unutilized natural medicine as a promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa. However, details such as the chemical compound and mode of action of each bioactive against different emerging diseases were not discussed in this study.

Control of black fungus associated with COVID-19 by some safety methods

Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities are all present in silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles have the capacity to penetrate bacterial cell walls, altering cell membrane structure and even causing cell death. The efficiency of silver nanoparticles on the fungi that cause the black fungus linked with Covid was investigated in this study,The poisoned food technique was utilized with concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20%, and while all of the concentrations were efficient, the effect was larger when the greatest concentration was employed.The efficacy of mushrooms was also tested against these fungi that cause mucormycosis,The antifungal activity of ethanol extracts of Agaricus bisporus against Rhizopus arrhizus was determined in vitro using the poison food approach and different concentrations of the extract (8, 10, 16 mg/ml). The maximum effect of ethanolic extract against Rhizopus arrhizus growth was achieved at 8 mg/ml, and the maximum effect of ethanolic extract was achieved at 16 mg/ml, with a growth rate of 57.5mm. © 2022 by the Author(s).

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Department Presentations with Mushroom Poisoning: A Report from Turkey.

Background In this study, we investigated the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on emergency department admissions with mushroom poisoning in a tertiary hospital in Turkey. Materials and Methods This study was conducted as a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the data of patients admitted to the emergency department between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. The patients diagnosed with the International Classification of Diseases-10 code T62.0 concerning the toxic effect of ingested mushrooms were identified through the computerized medical and laboratory record system of the hospital. The patients' demographic data, presentation seasons, laboratory findings, emergency department outcomes, and mortality due to mushroom poisoning were obtained. To reveal the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department presentations with mushroom poisoning, the means of the pre-pandemic period (2018-2019) and the pandemic period (2020) were compared. Results The data of a total of 171 patients were included in the final analysis. The number of patients diagnosed with the toxic effect of ingested mushrooms was 96 in 2018, 61 in 2019, and 14 in 2020. There was a 5.6-fold decrease during pandemic period in the number of patients presenting to the emergency department with mushroom poisoning. Conclusion The decrease in mushroom poisoning cases may be related to the changes in the eating habits of individuals during the pandemic and our study being conducted in a metropolitan city. We recommend that multicenter studies be performed to verify the data obtained from our study and increase their generalizability.

A case of COVID-19 treated with mycotherapy

A COVID-19 patient at the limit of hospitalization (SpO2 at 93%), treated at home, found benefit in the use of antiviral medicinal mushrooms. The main agent would be Cordyceps sinensis, used in traditional Chinese medicine from 620 BC. This fungus has been studied by numerous scientists who have demonstrated its antiviral action against HIV-1, the syncytial respiratory virus, the coxsackie B3 virus, the A and “H1N1” influenza viruses, the Epstein Barr Virus. This patient treated at a time when treatments with antiretrovirals, enoxaparin or hydroxychloroquine were not yet permitted at home showed an immediate reversal of symptoms after taking Cordyceps sinensis and beta-glucans extracted from other mushrooms. The antiviral properties of the components of the drug used in this clinical case are described through the literature (mini review). The strong point, which would explain the rapid action (if it is not placebo), is the known affinity of the beta-glucans of the medicinal mushroom wall, towards the integrin-based receptors, usually present on neutrophil leukocytes, but also on the “thorns” of the CoV-2. This strong peculiarity that CoV-2 has become a weak point, if we get to inhibit it before it attacks the cells of the respiratory system.

Risk assessment of public health emergencies concerned in the mainland of China, June 2021

Objective: To assess the risk of public health emergencies, both the indigenous ones and the imported ones, which might occur in the mainland of China in June 2021. Methods: An internet based expert counsel was conducted to analyze the surveillance data of public health emergencies and priority communicable diseases in China reported through different channels, and the experts in all provincial centers for disease control and prevention attended this video conference. Results: Generally speaking, it is predicted that the incidence of public health emergencies would be similar in June with May. The risk of imported cases and secondary infections of COVID-19 would continue to exist, but would be controllable. It is the high incidence season of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome and most cases would be sporadic, however, the risk of cluster exits especially in previous epidemic areas. The incidences of food poisoning caused by toxic animal or plant or poisonous mushroom would increase significantly, and the incidences of food poisoning caused by microbe would be high. The earthquake-stricken areas such as Yunnan and Qinghai should further strengthen post-disaster public health responses. The potential flood-stricken areas predicted by the meteorological department need to pay attention to the risks of water-borne, food-borne and vector-borne diseases that may increase after the disaster. Conclusion: Special attention should be paid to COVID-19, and general attention should be paid to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, food poisoning and natural disaster.

Belgian Poison Centre: annual overview 2020

Objective: This study provides an overview of the number and type of calls received by the Belgian Poison Centre (BPC) in 2020. Methods: Data of all calls to the BPC (1 January to 31 December 2020) were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistics (SAS). Results: The BPC received 65,308 calls in 2020 (60,668 in 2019, p<0.05), of which 56,106 (86%) (involving 57,523 victims) were due to an exposure, and 9,202 (14%) were an information request. Despite a minor decrease of 2.3% (21,151 in 2019 versus 20,666 in 2020, p>0.05), the vast majority (35.9%) of exposures were drug-related, of which paracetamol represented 8.2%. Drugs within the category “nervous system” (e.g. antipsychotics, antidepressants, etc.) were most frequently involved (39.6%). There were 11,836 in 2019 versus 12,247 in 2020 (p>0.05). Relating to chemical household products, in the battle against the coronavirus, people bought large quantities and often highly concentrated products, especially products for personal hygiene and cleaning. Poured into smaller containers such as water or soft drink bottles, this led to accidents in which people accidentally drank from the drink container. In an effort to improving cleaning or disinfection, people also started (accidentally) combining or mixing products, with the risk of releasing irritating vapours. Irritation of the mucous membranes and severe shortness of breath were not uncommon. The BPC received 46.1% more calls for bleach and bleach-containing products than in 2019 (835 calls in 2019 compared to 1,220 calls in 2020, p<0.05). A 12.3% increase of cosmetic- and food-related exposures was noted (8,291 in 2019 versus 9,308 in 2020, p<0.05), of which a stable number of exposures (877 in 2019 versus 876 in 2020, p>0.05) were due to essential oils. Exposures to type 1 biocides significantly increased from 322 in 2019 to 1,676 in 2020 (p<0.05), and exposures to type 2 biocides from 406 to 902 (p<0.05). Finally, a 28.2% increase in exposures related to the group “plants, mushrooms and animals” was observed, with 3,256 in 2019 and 4,175 in 2020 (p<0.05). Conclusion: In its history, the BPC has never received as many calls as in 2020, demonstrating its added value in today's and future healthcare. Trends in both, number and type of exposures were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 on the number and type of calls to the Belgian Poison Centre

Objective: The present study provides an overview of the number and type of calls to the Belgian Poison Centre (BPC), and the impact of COVID-19. Methods: Data of all calls to the BPC (1 January - 31 December 2020) were collected and analysed using appropriate statistics (SAS). Results: The BPC received 65,308 calls in 2020 (60,668 in 2019, p<0.05). The vast majority (35.9%) of exposures were drugrelated (21,151 in 2019 versus 20,666 in 2020, p>0.05), followed by the use of chemical household products (11,836 in 2019 versus 12,247 in 2020 (p>0.05)). A 12.3% increase in the number of cosmetic- and food-related exposures was noted (8,291 in 2019 versus 9,308 in 2020, p<0.05). Within this group, a stable number of exposures (877 in 2019 versus 876 in 2020, p>0.05) due to essential oil exposures were observed. Partly due to the impact of the COVID-19 [1] pandemic, exposures to biocides doubled (104.9%) from 1,964 in 2019 to 4,024 in 2020 (p<0.05). Exposures to type 1 biocides (i.e. human hygiene products, which include alcohol-based hand sanitisers (ABHS)) significantly increased from 322 in 2019 to 1,676 in 2020 (p<0.05), and exposures to type 2 biocides (i.e. disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals) from 406 to 902 (p<0.05). In 2020 the BPC received a five-fold increase in the number of calls involving ABHS incidents (both liquid and gel-based, as well as ethanol and isopropanol products) compared to 2019 (1,676 versus 323 in 2019 versus 1,676 in 2020 calls, p<0.05), accounting for 2.6% of all calls in 2020. In 71% of exposures, ingestion was the primary route (1,195/1,676), followed by 28.6% accidental ocular exposures (480/1,676) of which more than half of the incidents involved children (257/480, p<0.05), primarily young children aged 1-4 years (136/257, p<0.05). Finally, as people went into the garden and nature to relax during lockdown, a 28.2% increase in exposures related to the group 'plants, mushrooms and animals' was found, with 3,256 exposures in 2019 and 4,175 in 2020 (p<0.05). Conclusion: In its history, the BPC has never received as many calls as in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a significant number of additional exposures, and requests for toxicologic advice.

The impact of the first two waves of COVID-19 on the activities of the Estonian Poisoning Centre (EPIC): the need for quick learning

Objective: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reached Europe in March, including Estonia (population 1.3 million) with two waves in 2020. Suddenly all citizens needed new information about cleaning and disinfectants including the need for information on safe usage. People remained at home while almost 90% of poisonings occur at home, therefore an increase in poisonings was expected. In addition to advising on toxicity, the EPIC was also expected to provide constant media information to target groups. Previously planned Poisoning Prevention Week (in March) rapidly required new content. The aim is to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 on EPIC's hotline in order to be better prepared for poisoning prevention in the future. Methods: A retrospective study analyzing the data from the EPIC's hotline 2019-2020. We compared the number of monthly calls in 2020, as well the number of yearly calls in 2020/2019. The information collected included: type of caller, age group, reason for exposure (accident, intentional), specific type of exposure. Increases or decreases of 10% in parameters with N > 5 were considered a change. Results: The average number of monthly calls in 2020 was around 325 (an increase of 32% from 2019), with rapid change in 2020 from March compared with February (increased by 65%). The number of calls remained high until the end of 2020. Compared to annual average statistics 2019/2020: there were more calls concerning adults (39%, 1069/1483), while calls regarding children (0-3 years/4-17 years) increased modestly (28%/26%). There was a small change in calls regarding drug poisoning (increasing 17%). Poisoning from chemicals increased 33%, including a marked increase in calls about disinfectants of 505% (22/133 compared 2019/2020), while exposures to mixed chemicals markedly decreased (-97%, 30 poisonings 2019/1 call 2020). Accidents with button batteries increased 76% (38/67 comparing 2019/2020). Many people visited woodland to avoid crowded places and this was associated with an increase in enquiries about mushrooms (149%), snakes (62%), and plants (46%) following the first COVID-19 wave. There was no significant change in the ratio of accidental/intentional poisoning or the ratio of caller type (public/medical professionals), compared 2019/2020. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the activity of EPIC significantly and trends were identified. It is possible to assume that the EPIC's active role in the crisis with a strategic communication may be related to the higher number of calls through increased awareness. The identified toxicity trends need more precise targeting in the media for subsequent coronavirus outbreaks. (Table Presented).

A Possible Synergistic Herbal Solution for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for repurposing of drugs, including complex, natural drugs, to meet the global need for safe and effective antiviral medicines which do not promote multidrug resistance nor inflate medical costs. The author herein describes his own repurposing of herbal tinctures, previously prepared for oncology, into a possibly synergistic, anti-COVID 41 "herb" formula of extracts derived from 36 different plants and medicinal mushrooms. A method of multi-sample in vitro testing in green monkey kidney vero cells is proposed for testing the Hypothesis that even in such a large combination, antiviral potency may be preserved, along with therapeutic synergy, smoothness, and complexity. The possibility that the formula's potency may improve with age is considered, along with a suitable method for testing it. Collaborative research inquiries are welcome.

Recent developments on bioactivities of mushrooms: structure–activity nexus therapeutic potentials

Mushrooms are among the few natural products that have been relied upon for prophylactic and therapeutic applications in human diseases. They have been referred to as forest gems since they can be picked in the wild or better domesticated for appropriate use. Several scientific studies have been conducted to establish claimed potentials or further probe new areas into which mushrooms can find application. Many disciplines, including mycology, microbiology, physiology, chemistry, genetics, and medicine, among others, conduct research on mushrooms. These enable broad and in-depth studies of mushrooms, to include in vitro and in vivo demonstrations of their bioactivity, structural characterization, and isolation of bioactive components. This chapter highlights the bioactive composition of mushrooms by relating structure to bioactivity and demonstrating therapeutic effects on some human diseases using existing literature. The potentials of mushrooms or their products for the treatment or management of diseases, such as tropical illnesses and COVID-19 pandemic, among other issues, have been discussed. Chemistry of bioactive compounds, structure–activity relationships, patents, and analyses of data obtained have been reported and studied for interpretation of results. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

PRESENÇA DE CÉLULAS COGUMELO EM PACIENTE COVID-19 POSITIVO: RELATO DE CASO

Relato de caso: O Hospital Universitário do Oeste do Paraná (HUOP) tem recebido pacientes Covid-19 positivos de toda a 10° Regional de Saúde do Estado do Paraná. Com isso, o fluxo de pacientes e exames laboratoriais é grande. Em um hemograma de rotina de um paciente do sexo Masculino, de 65 anos, internado por decorrência de agravo do quadro infeccioso por Covid-19, foi possível identificar células cogumelos (mushroom-shaped), também conhecidas como células em pinça (pincer-like cells) ou células de Pincer. Discussão: A Covid-19 trata-se de uma infecção viral causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, tendo sido declarada em março de 2020 pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como um caso de pandemia. Pacientes com diagnóstico positivo para a infecção, apresentam hemograma característico, como por exemplo, sinais de leucocitose, linfopenia, microcitose, plaquetopenia, assim como também apresentam aumento do D-dímero, aumento do VHS e prolongamento do tempo de protrombina. Recentemente, alguns relatos de casos e estudos mostraram que durante leitura microscópica de esfregaço sanguíneo, foi observado a presença de células em forma de cogumelo, sendo considerado uma morfologia anormal da hemácia. Essa célula cogumelo, também chamada de célula em pinça ou célula de Pincer, são alterações eritrocitárias decorrentes da deficiência da proteína de membrana Banda-3, que também é vista no quadro de esferocitose hereditária. Em outra situação, as células cogumelos também foram descritas e observadas em pacientes com hemólise, devido à remoção de dois corpos de Heinz que induzem um processo de oxidação. De acordo com o International Council for Standardization in Haematology, essa alteração eritrocitária pode ser considerada como uma célula semelhante a um esquizócito, sendo importante o relato em laudo. Pouco se sabe ainda sobre a real relação entre as células cogumelos serem indicadores da Covid-19. Conclusão: A presença dessas células pode ser por estresse oxidativo decorrente do quadro inflamatório instalado pela Covid-19. A presença de células cogumelos têm sido comum em pacientes positivos, porém pouco se sabe sobre a real relação entre as células cogumelos serem indicadores da Covid-19, necessitando de mais estudo e relatos clínicos.

In Silico Studies on Psilocybin Drug Derivatives Against SARS-CoV-2 and Cytokine Storm of Human Interleukin-6 Receptor.

Various metabolites identified with therapeutic mushrooms have been found from different sources and are known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Over thousands soil growth-based mushroom metabolites have been discovered, and utilized worldwide to combat malignancy. In this study, psilocybin-mushroom that contains the psychedelic compounds such as psilacetin, psilocin, and psilocybine were screened and found to be inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mprotease. It has been found that psilacetin, psilocin, and psilocybine bind to Mprotease with -6.0, -5.4, and -5.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, the psilacetin was found to inhibit human interleukin-6 receptors to reduce cytokine storm. The binding of psilacetin to Mprotease of SARS-CoV-2 and human interleukin-6 receptors changes the structural dynamics and Gibbs free energy patterns of proteins. These results suggested that psilocybin-mushroom could be utilized as viable potential chemotherapeutic agents for SARS-CoV-2.

FIRST ADULT PULMONARY CASE OF PRIOR INFECTION OF POLYPORE MUSHROOM IRPEX LACTEUS

TYPE: Case Report TOPIC: Chest Infections INTRODUCTION: Irpex lacteus is a basidiomycete found on decaying wood. Known uses include the saccharification of wheat for ethanol production;decolorization of textile effluent wastewater;and detoxification of effluents from the debittering process of olives. Rarely found to cause a human mycosis, and ours is the first adult pulmonary case that is reported. CASE PRESENTATION: 61 yr old male with Stage 4ae B cell lymphoma and bcl6 amplification s/p RCHOP, presented with recurrent right effusions. The patient yielded 500mL of transudative effusion. No prior COVID infections and he was fully vaccinated. He worked by cutting down wood in the forests. No complaints of hemoptysis, night sweats, or weight loss. PET scan revealed anterior mediastinal calcifications, a large right effusion, and a LLL nodule. The LLL nodule was biopsied, and pathology revealed necrotizing granulomas. Bronchoscopy with EBUS did not reveal granulomas within the mediastinal lymph nodes. BAL from the LLL revealed a fungal culture positive for I. lacteus. The patient did not undergo further treatment for the positive fungal culture. Follow up PET scan did not reveal progression of his lymphoma. DISCUSSION: The two documented cases of I. lacteus were within a 9 yr old with ALL and pulmonary abscess;and a 73 yr old with sarcoidosis and fungal meningitis. Due to his clinical stability, he did not require amphotericin B, as was needed in the two prior cases. CONCLUSIONS: I.lacteus is a rare cause of a human mycosis. Further investigation would be warranted in terms of treatment, as there are so few cases. DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: fungal